GADAG: The public distribution system (PDS) in villages will come under the purview of gram panchayats in Gadag district from this month. The Deputy Commissioner has issued an order making the district the first in the State to transfer public distribution system to gram panchayats. Management of the public distribution system is one of the 29 items recommended for transfer to panchayat raj institutions as has been adumbrated in the 11th Schedule of the Constitution.

The idea of gram panchayats exercising control over fair price shops and keeping a tab on stocks of foodgrains received and distributed originally arose in Gadag taluk. The initiative for the changeover was taken by D.R. Patil, MLA from Gadag, who also happens to be the Chairman of the Assurance Committee of the Legislative Assembly, which has played a crucial role in the transfer of finances and powers to panchayats given effect to by the Government last year.

Originally, it was felt that foodgrains should come for distribution to gram panchayats. But a probe into the matter revealed that it bristled with administrative problems because of the system in vogue, with the arrangement having been finalised through contract for delivery of foodgrains to fair price shops concerned by transport operators.

As a way out of the problem, it was decided that the stocks kept by fair price shops should be under a double lock system, with one lock being used by the panchayat and the other by the dealer concerned. It was also decided to have the stock regularly verified.

A recommendation over the change in the arrangement suggested by the chiefs of gram panchayats was acted upon by the tahsildar of Gadag who issued a circular. But the officialdom in the district had doubts about the new procedure and the matter was referred to the Government.

The Department of Food and Civil Supplies has cleared the changes suggested and the officials in Gadag district were informed about the scheme being made applicable in the district as a whole on a pilot basis.

The scheme will be implemented from this month, and the gram panchayat presidents and members are expected to be present when stocks for distribution arrives in the next week to ensure that the changed directives are given effect to.

The reaction of fair price shop owners to this is eagerly awaited. The public distribution system in the State is a lucrative one involving a subsidy of Rs. 70 crores. It is an open secret that the system of cuts and kickbacks is inherent in the system.

There is a view that fair price shop owners may not take kindly to the change as it would take away the benefits they used to enjoy.

Some of them may even be tempted to give up the responsibility. There is also a view that the system may work to the advantage of dealers in the sense that it would relieve them of the burden of "greasing the palm" of officialdom.

Several panchayat presidents have expressed their willingness to take over the system in the event of any shop owners throwing in the towel. Some of the panchayat presidents have said that they are prepared to ensure house delivery of their quotas to beneficiaries.

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